On Thursday, the highly anticipated Courtyard by Marriott Maui Airport hotel opened with the traditional Hawaiian blessing and many dignitaries were in attendance.

Following the traditional cutting of the maile lei, Mayor Alan Arakawa gave a speech before numerous guests including Mufi Hanneman, former Honolulu mayor of Honolulu and Democratic congressional candidate; Terryl Vencl, Maui Visitors Bureau; Chris Tatum, an area vice president of Marriott International; Debbie Ayala, an area director of Marriott International; Mike Victorino, a Maui County councilmember; Gil Keith-Agaran, a Hawaii state representative; numerous staff members, and more.

The newly built four-story hotel has 138-rooms and is located near the intersection of Haleakala Highway and Keolani Place minutes from the Kahului Airport.

Hotel amenities will include a business center and a fitness center. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available in all guestrooms, pool, lobby, and the bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The meeting spaces include the Lokelani Boardroom and the Haleakala Ballroom which are equipped with wireless connectivity.